SNOWSHOE, West Virginia – (May 1, 2014) –Snowshoe Mountain (www.snowshoemtn.com) today announced its official opening date for the 2014 mountain biking season as Friday, May 23. Operations are weekends-only through mid-June, then 7-days-a-week through Labor Day Weekend. The weekend schedule continues after Labor Day through Sunday, October 6 – 101 days open in total, making for one of the longest lift-served mountain bike seasons in North America.

Snowshoe also announced plans to add new special events, big races and exciting new terrain for all ability levels.

“Snowshoe’s goal has always been to create a wide selection from beginner to advance trails that riders will be excited about,” explains Josh Olson, bike park manager, Snowshoe. “We have a great mix of machine-built flow/jump trails to traditional downhill root and rock trails. We’re also creating some smooth flowing blue trails this summer to give all riders a great experience on our mountain.”

Course designs will include creating two new sections of trails at the top and bottom of the popular Skyline jump trail. The expansion this summer will be focused on carving out smoother flowing intermediate flow/jump trails to the mountain as the park is committed to both seasoned downhillers and those just learning the sport. Two seasons of additions will now offer riders of all abilities, over six miles of new and enhanced beginner and intermediate trails.

“We have two distinct sides of the mountain with lift service,” Olson explains. “This allows us more space for features, race courses, machined trails and nature-tech trails. We basically have an open mountain canvas to work with, which allows us to create and carve trails that riders will come back for again and again so keep your eye out for plans of adding a black jump trail to the mountain in the seasons to come!”

For the novice and intermediate riders, the Snowshoe Bike Park will offer a full span of instructors for one-on-one skills training and advice. The park will also offer full rental bikes and equipment. Returning this season is the popular Women Ride FREE Sundays. All female riders can ride the bike park for free any Sunday throughout the season.

Along with the revamped terrain the resort is offering deep discounts on passes and lodging packages, creating an affordable mountain biking destination for riders and families.

Season Pass: $159
Adult Single-day Lift Pass $40
Two-Day: $75
Three-Day: $99
Basin Only: (M/W/F): $25
Stay & Ride Lodging Package offering discounts on slopesidep lodging ranging from studios to 3-bedroom condos

The Snowshoe Park will host a series of events this summer season:

OPENING WEEKEND
MAY 23-26
Join us for the kick off of the 2014 bike season.

SNOWSHOE GRAVITY SERIES 1 & 2
JUNE 28– 29
We have a great weekend of downhill mountain bike racing coming at ya! Descend 1500 vertical feet on the Western Territory with 2 separate courses. Race 1 will be on Saturday and Race 2 will be on Sunday.

MAD MARCH RACING CAMP WITH SHAUMS MARCH
JULY 3-4
This 2-day, co-ed camp is designed for beginner and intermediate levels. It will focus on the fundamental elements of downhill and freeride disciplines.

MAD MARCH RACING CAMP WITH SHAUMS MARCH
JULY 5-6
This 2-day, co-ed camp will focus on intermediate to advance skills and techniques for those who’ve already mastered the basics of downhill and freeride disciplines.

SNOWSHOE WILD HARE DOWNHILL RACE: PRO GRT
JULY 12-13
USA Cycling National Pro GRT series returns to Snowshoe. Saturday, the dual Slalom will be held on Skidder. Sunday the DH race will be held on the World Class DH slopes of the Western Territory.

KONA WOMEN’S WEEKEND
JULY 19-20
A camp designed by women, for women. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned pro you’ll have a great time progressing at this 2-day downhill mountain bike camp.

11th ANNUAL BLUES, BREWS AND BBQ FESTIVAL
AUGUST 2
Take the best craft brewers in West Virginia and combine them with great food, live music and amazing vistas from the top of the mountain. It just doesn’t get better than that.

3rd ANNUAL CHOMOLUNGMA CHALLENGE
AUGUST 16-17
A downhill endurance mountain bike event as big as Mount Everest. This race tests the mental and physical capability of every rider. Compete solo, duo, or as a team to complete 20 laps on the Western Territory, totaling 30,000 vertical feet.

2ND ANNUAL FREEFALL FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER 27-28
It’s almost time to say goodbye to fall and welcome in winter with open arms. Help us celebrate the changing seasons with live music, bike games, Village activities and so much more.

SNOWSHOE GRAVITY SERIES 3
SEPTEMBER 27
We have a great weekend of downhill mountain bike racing. Descend 1500 vertical feet on the Western Territory. This race is on Saturday and is the final race of the series.

WVMBA CHAMPIONSHIPS
SEPTEMBER 28
A mountain bike race hosted by Snowshoe Mountain and the final race in the West Virginia Mountain Bike Series to determine the series champion. There will be several courses of cross-country trails that take you through the spectacular forests, and on single track trails around Snowshoe Mountain.
CLOSING WEEKEND
OCTOBER 5 (SUBJECT TO WEATHER)
Come out and finish off another amazing season of mountain biking with one last shredfest.

To schedule your reservation or for more information about The Snowshoe Bike Park, including the full schedule of events and registration go to www.snowshoemtn.com or call 877-441-4386.

About Snowshoe Bike Park

Snowshoe will be expanding the trails at its world-class mountain bike park this summer. Snowshoe Bike Park has offered lift-access downhill bike trails for over a decade. Continuing to build on its reputation as offering the largest trail system in the East. For more information go to www.Snowshoemnt.com

IMAGE: Snowshoe Mountain